Cheap Framing Nailguns ?

[Casey69]

need to build up some shelves in my basement & garage & would like a cheap framing nailgun for occasional use.

as usual, harbor freight's guns are cheap - $80:
http://www.harborfreight.com/21-angle-full-head-framing-air-nailer-69927.html

but not to be outdone, menards $60 gun:
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2395439-c-12912.htm

searched lowes & amazon, but all their guns are ~$150. any decent ones out there for <$100?

 

[ishiboo]

Some cheap air tools work well, some don't. Given the reviews on the HF one, I would go with that before I went for the Menards one... and I love Menards. $64 with coupon so not a big difference between Menards and HF price-wise.

If you go to a brand name, I have a LPF28WW and I love it. It's on sale for $177 at Menards right now. Last I checked the Bosch framing nailer they carry (or used to) had terrible reviews.

 

[pault28]

Big difference in the two that you posted is that the HF shoots full head and the tool shop shoots clipped head nails. A lot of people say the clipped head nails don't hold as well. In fact some municipalities say that clipped head nails do not meet code when framing. I own a clipped head hitachi and have never felt it was inferior, but then again I'm not a pro framer. For the difference in price you listed, I'd get the HF one with a warranty for the peace of mind.

 

[panknuckshovel]

If you are looking for cheap try the Norge line at Lumber Liquidators. Can't gaurantee price will be better but it might be worth a few seconds of searching. Hot Deals has a thread titled " Harbor Freight Competion "

 

[Casey69]

ok - i'll check out the LL norge one too. i know nothing about framing guns. i've used brad nailers before, but the "clipped heads", degrees, etc are new terms to me.

thanks guys!

 

[mlcharlestonsc]

I have hb one for 6 years blue one and built fence, shelves, framed cabinets, works great. Also hf has all nails brads staples and supplies you need for their guns. one stop shop.

 

[CNGsaves]

How about the pro's comment on next level of brands like Hitachi, Paslode, Senco, etc. Just about got a nice Hitachi off CL for $100 but seller would never call me back.

I know my carpenter brother's Senco was one tough framing gun, that could be rebuilt when it lost it's ooooomph. That baby has been going strong for over a decade of heavy use.

Seem to see lots of Bostitch nail guns on CL lately.

 

[whitedogone]

Cl, pawn shops, hf all good places to check. I used to pound nails for a living and secco is what I own and use. I hate full head strip nailers. Plastic pieces flying ever wear. Coil full head are ok I guess, although I haven't used them much.

 

[bob15]

Have you looked at reconditioned Bostich guns? I realize you don't want to spend $150, but there is a big step in guns going from the eighty dollar HF to the Bostich. It is also a one-time purchase that I'm glad I made after seeing and listening to my former co-worker's complaints about the HF.

http://www.cpobostitch.com/factory-reconditioned-bostitch-u-f28ww-28-degree-3-1-2-in--industrial-framing-nailer-system/bstrf28ww-r,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=bostitch-reconditioned-nailers

 

[ishiboo]

Have you looked at reconditioned Bostich guns? I realize you don't want to spend $150, but there is a big step in guns going from the eighty dollar HF to the Bostich. It is also a one-time purchase that I'm glad I made after seeing and listening to my former co-worker's complaints about the HF.

http://www.cpobostitch.com/factory-reconditioned-bostitch-u-f28ww-28-degree-3-1-2-in--industrial-framing-nailer-system/bstrf28ww-r,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=bostitch-reconditioned-nailers

Instead of buying a reconditioned one, you could get a brand new one from the same price on clearance at Menards.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...collated-framing-nailer/p-1479205-c-12912.htm

 

[bob15]

Instead of buying a reconditioned one, you could get a brand new one from the same price on clearance at Menards.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...collated-framing-nailer/p-1479205-c-12912.htm

'cause the closest Menards is 600 miles away from me.

But yes, that is a great deal and the OP should really consider it.

 

[panknuckshovel]

Just re-read original thread and am not trying to be a smartass but you say nail gun is for some shelves. Why not just some screws and a drill/impact kit that may get more use around the house?

 

[whitedogone]

I'd just as soon have the hf model and cash in pocket over the Bostick.

 

[Moose97]

I have an off-brand framing nail gun that I've had and used for the last 6 or 8 years. It was a gift from my father-in-law. He says he got it at Harbor Freight but it doesn't have a brand on it and is solid blue. I've used it to build a shop, loafing sheds, pig pens and a 36'X36' barn. Works like a champ. Only thing is I've got to use the nails connected with plastic. The paper ones jam it up. I bought the Campbell-Hausfeld nailer and haven't been impressed at all.

 

[yfz 450]

Get a screw gun. You will use It more than you would think. If I was to spend the money on a framing gun it would be because I constantly use it which I did working construction. If you do it with screws it's easy to take apart and you still have the crews to reuse unlike the framing nails. You could cats paw them out but gun nails are a smaller diameter then common nails and to re-drive them with a hammer *****

 

[Casey69]

Just re-read original thread and am not trying to be a smartass but you say nail gun is for some shelves. Why not just some screws and a drill/impact kit that may get more use around the house?

you ever try to put up shelves (or do much framing) by yourself? i'm having a hell of a time trying to keep stuff level/plumb holding the lumber together with one hand & the hammer in another. be one thing if i had some help or didn't care as much, but i want it to be done right.

 

[panknuckshovel]

you ever try to put up shelves (or do much framing) by yourself? i'm having a hell of a time trying to keep stuff level/plumb holding the lumber together with one hand & the hammer in another. be one thing if i had some help or didn't care as much, but i want it to be done right.

i'm gonna get an early Christmas present & pick up that bostich gun tonight @ menards for $149. i figure i'll use it do frame up the basement & i could sell it when i'm done.

Fair enough

 

[BFHtime]

Nail it by hand.

IMO before using a power tool, one should learn to do the job by hand first. This is not always easy, but it will make you better with tools in general. It will give you a better feel of how well that nail you just shot in with the gun is holding, vs if you missed or split the edge of a stud, where it may hold up trim, but not a loaded shelf.

sometimes you have to get a little creative, and think outside the box. If you had to, you could predrill your holes that would make nailing easy.

Use a level, make small light pencil marks that could be easily erased. This will give you a mark to hold the piece to. Then you have to judge when the nail is about to come through, then double check the alignment, and give one more whack. That should hold it in place, on one side while you finish the nail. In the beginning do not drive the nail all the way in so it is easier to pull, if you need to make an adjustment. If the first nail seems to be in a good position, start the second nail in the same fashion, double checking alignment before the nail grabs.

There is more than one way to skin a cat. Doing this is frustrating at first, but experience can be a good teacher. What those thumbs, a needle pliers can help to set nails into the material. I could go all day here. someone with experience to show you would be best.

YouTube this old house tv show. Watching other people you can always pick up a few things.

A lot times the gun nails are so cheap that they break before a head would pop off. Use angles for better holding friction.

 

[Frank Dukes]

i have two of the smaller HF nailers and they both work perfectly. i don't buy their nails though.. buy a little better grade of nails and you shouldnt have any problems with an HF nail gun. the framing nailer is actually on my list of wants but i haven't came up with a project i really needed it for yet. if your just building shelves, some clamps and an 1/4" impact would do you just fine as well.

 

[Danglerb]

Once you use a air nailer or stapler there is no going back. Get your stuff all aligned, hold it with one hand and bang bang bang, done. The one smack seating of the nails tends not to mess up the alignment, its all win.

 

[PugetDude]

I've got a Senco SN325+ that I despise with every fiber of my being.
It's nothing more than an overpriced nail starter. Never sinks a nail flush, always leaves them 1/4"-1/2" proud. Jams frequently. It was rebuilt twice under warranty (years ago), once since- and I'm just a weekend warrior. Always pisses me off when I have to use it (not much anymore, winding down on the major remodels). I'd trade it for a new Chinese nailer sight unseen.

I've also got a Senco angle finish nailer that is almost,-but not quite- as bad as the 325+. I threw it in a drawer a few years ago-the last time it quit, and bought a cheapy HF to finish the job... the HF is still working fine, the dead Senco is still in the drawer.

My Senco brad nailer and pinner both work great, though...

 

[gpalmer77]

I have a Chicago Pneumatic gun from HF. I paid $65 for it 8 years ago. It is heavy as hell, but i framed my house and garage with it. Every once in a while it shoots three nails sideways in a rooster tail formation if I'm not careful when adding nails. This is my fault, not the gun. It has probably jammed on me twice, and I've used it in 10 degree weather.

 

[Notgrownup]

I just Finished building my 24x24 shop and used the 21 degree angle HF framing nailer and it worked like a charm...I would buy it again in a skinny minute...I think it cost about $55 with the 25% coupon...

 

[Plump]

I got a Surebonder framing nailer for under $50 a few years back at Menards. I see that they are going for over $100 now so this must have been one heck of a steal. That being said, if you can find one for as cheap as I did, I've been completely satisfied with it. Sounds like we both use it for about the same amount of projects and I certainly don't need anything more than what I've got.

 

[Zeke]

Are you using 2 x 4's and lumber like that? I'd screw it together rather than use a 'framing' nail gun. A finish nail gun shooting 2 1/2" 16 ga nails and some glue that your won't split any wood and you won't see the nails as much. If you do buy the framing nailer, look at how you will be buying the nails. You might have enough nails to last you into the next century if you aren't going to build on to your house or make a gross of doghouses.

 

[Zeke]

I've got a Senco SN325+ that I despise with every fiber of my being.
It's nothing more than an overpriced nail starter. Never sinks a nail flush, always leaves them 1/4"-1/2" proud. Jams frequently. It was rebuilt twice under warranty (years ago), once since- and I'm just a weekend warrior. Always pisses me off when I have to use it (not much anymore, winding down on the major remodels). I'd trade it for a new Chinese nailer sight unseen.

I've also got a Senco angle finish nailer that is almost,-but not quite- as bad as the 325+. I threw it in a drawer a few years ago-the last time it quit, and bought a cheapy HF to finish the job... the HF is still working fine, the dead Senco is still in the drawer.

My Senco brad nailer and pinner both work great, though...

Senco changed their gun design many years ago. If it's an oilless nail gun, it isn't anything like the old Senco pressure cast models that needed oiling.

 

[kf4zht]

I have a bostich i got for $15 since the trigger was bad. Few bucks for a rebuild kit and it has been great. I tend not to use it for stuff like shelves and small stuff. Too heavy and big, a drill and screws is easier. For actual framing it is great and you can get alot more done

I use my brad and narrow crown guns more. Very light and maneuverable, they get pulled out for any woodworking project

 

[Fugio]

Here's my story and a word of advise....

I wanted one forever! One day about a year ago I saw a buddy using a new one, so I asked about his old one. It was in his truck and he said it was his dad's and at least 40 years old. This thing is HUGE and weighs easily twice what a new one weighs. It's a monster!

So I asked if he wanted to sell it. 10 bucks and it was mine!

It's an OLD passlode (we think). ALL metal. Looks like it's made from a dead Cylon. Anyway, he said it was broken, and it was. Every nail jammed.

So I took it to HD and showed it to the old guys at the tool rental desk. These guys are well into their 70's and have seen every type to tool problem imaginable, so I figured they could tell me if my 10 bucks was wasted.

10 minutes later they gave it back, good as new! It's 100% reliable as long as I only load one gang of nails at a time, which is fine for me.

So then I had to buy nails. The ones for my gun cost more than double what they cost for newer guns. It's 30 degrees vs 21 degrees if I remember correctly. Not a big deal for me since 2500 nails lasts me about 6 months, but if you nail a lot, make sure yours uses the cheap nails!

Oh, and you'll need a decent compressor too. My old Craftsman pancake has to turn on about every 6-8 nails! It can keep up, but just barely. Our little HF pancake can't even do half of that, which is a huge pain in the ****. Big guns use WAY more air than a finish nailer. Or it might just be that my ancient passlode uses that much air. I have no idea since this is my first and only framing nailer.

 

[Cope]

I bought a DeWalt and later realized that the clipped head nails are not the way to go. Got ready to use it and it was blowing air out the exhaust and not nailing. I bought a Bostich with full head nails, but later decided to rebuild the DeWalt. it works fine now. I gues the moral of the story is to oil the gun before and after use.

 

[383 240z]

I have an off-brand framing nail gun that I've had and used for the last 6 or 8 years. It was a gift from my father-in-law. He says he got it at Harbor Freight but it doesn't have a brand on it and is solid blue. I've used it to build a shop, loafing sheds, pig pens and a 36'X36' barn. Works like a champ. Only thing is I've got to use the nails connected with plastic. The paper ones jam it up. I bought the Campbell-Hausfeld nailer and haven't been impressed at all.

The older HF units were all blue. I had one, it worked great until I loaned it to my sister when she was doing a big remodel on her house. Not sure what happened but it sat out and when she gave it back to me it would not fire. She said she never oiled it I'm guessing a little corrosion on the piston. Anyway that was a clipped head version I think. She bought me the new silver and red full head version. I love it. I use it a bunch, did most of the framing on my remodel, built the goat barn and the hay barn with it. The nail strips that I use have plastic between them. WEAR YOUR PPE WITH THEM!!! Those plastic chunks fly everywhere!!! A pair of safety glasses should be worn by everybody nearby. Keith

 

[Fugio]

Mine uses 30 degree clipped head nails. If I bought a new gun I'd get one that uses the cheapest ring shanked nails possible.

 

[383 240z]

Of course after I got the new framing nailer, I just had to buy the stapler, the finish nailer, the brad nailer. So easy and convenient to have when working by yourself. Keith

 

[Fugio]

I just bought the HF combo nailer/stapler because I had misplaced my old Porter Cable 18ga finish nailer.
I love it for staples, but not so much for mails because they don't come out in the center, so it's hard to put them right where you want them.

Oh, and yeah, you have to keep them oiled. HD sells a HUGE bottle of Husky brand oil pretty cheap. And HF sells a pack of the caps you use to cover the air inlets.

 

[rsieracki]

I have the Menards 34deg clipped head nailer linked in the first post, I paid $50 for it sometime in June or July this year.. used it without fail(jam/any problems) while building my12x12 shed addition this summer. i kept shooting the sheathing nails thru it while the framing nails went thru the other senco gun my uncle brought.. having 2 guns vs changing nails as we sheathed on the ground was nice but i put some of the larger nails thru the menards gun also without a problem.

i only wish i had bought the menards roofing nailer at the same time for the $50... its never been that cheap since but pounding a 12x12 roof wasn't bad just took a lil longer. the 'shed' is now 40x12 overall ...I only wish i could have gone larger lol

 

[Sal Bandini]

My nailgun setup:

 

[Moose97]

My nailgun setup:

Yea, that's what I used the first barn I ever built. We had a circular saw and hammers and nails. It's absolutely do-able but as cheap as you can buy air tools now, they are very much worth it!

To the OP, I agree that a framing nailer might not be the best choice for shelves.